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OPEL KADETT D 400
OPEL KADETT D 400
Opel Kadett 400 driven by Tony Pond/Richard Leeke on the Nissan Rally in Cape Town, April 1984
History of the Kadett 400
The Opel Kadett was a rear-wheel drive version of the GT/E that underwent testing and rallying in South Africa where events are open to non-homologated cars.
The first car, one of three that was built in Germany before being taken to pieces and air freighted to South Africa in March 1984, was part of a project that was schrouded in secrecy.
The car itself utilised the normally aspirated 2400 cc engine, gearbox, suspension, axle and transmission from the Manta 400, but differed in looks in that it did not have a boot.
Weighing in at just over 1000 kgs, it was also a little lighter than the Manta despite still having steel doors and panels. Its aerodynamic devices included a tongue that protruded from the front spoiler and a lip that was attached to the top of the hatch.
At the time of its first appearance in South Africa, it was speculated that the car could be a basis for a future four-wheel drive challenger, although the engine might change.
In Tony Pond's hands, the Kadett 400 showed its handling potential in the Nissan Rally, although the car seemed slightly top-heavy and the car lifted its front wheels rather easily.
Pond was able to maintain second place behind van der Merwe's Audi Quattro and even set three fastest times out of the nine stages he completed, but retired on the tenth stage after the oil pump drive failed.
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